This Surprising South-East Asian Destination Is Great For Kids

By: Rosie Stevens, ellaslist

When you think of family-friendly South-East Asian places to holiday, we’re willing to bet that Thailand, Bali, then Thailand and Bali again are the first places that spring to mind. 

It turns out however that Singapore is also up there with kid-friendly destinations—offering heaps to do, an eclectic array of neighbourhoods and an ever-evolving sense of culture. Previously stereotyped as lacking the character of other South East Asian cities, Singapore is quickly developing the buzzy ambience of its counterparts, with a whole lot more organisation and amenities that make it a dream to navigate with kids.

Here’s why you should move it straight to the top of your family travel list.

It’s Clean And Organised

Image: Santa Grand

Sounds like a boring point to kick off with, but when you’re a parent—you’ll know how important order, organisation and a clean environment can feel when you’re travelling. Singapore is renowned for being incredibly clean, with a public transport system that feels like it was built with families in mind. Priority queues make boarding at train stations and bus interchanges a whole lot easier for parents with kids—which can make a huge difference when you’re in a new place and trying to work out how to get around. 

It’s Bursting With Family Friendly Amenities 

Image: TallyPress

Again, not the most rock ’n’ roll reason to visit Singapore—but these things really add up when you’re travelling with smalls. A growing number of attractions, shopping malls included, in Singapore offer nursing rooms, complimentary use of strollers and kiddy cabs, alongside indoor and outdoor play areas, family-friendly restrooms and designated family car parking.

World-Renowned Attractions

Image: Singapore Guide

Universal Studios on Sentosa Island has been voted the number 1 amusement park in Asia, complete with 28 rides, shows and attractions in seven themed zones. Including all their favourites from Shrek, Puss in Boots, Jurassic Park, Sesame Street and more, there's certainly no shortage of fun for the whole family, especially movie-buffs and thrill seekers! 

On the subject of Sentosa Island—it’s the place to go for families. It’s basically a family playground in the shape of a sandy tourist resort and you don’t even have to endure public transport (albeit family-friendly public transport) to get there. A cable car can take you to Sentosa Island, offering great views of the city. With some of the country’s most kid-friendly hotels on Sentosa, they offer the perfect base to explore the bright lights and bustle of KidZania, Universal Studios, Siloso Beach, Adventure Cove Waterpark, S.E.A Aquarium, Skyline Luge and Port of Lost Wonder (hey—we did say it was a playground!).

The Food

Image: Visit Singapore

We’ll put it out there; Singapore has delicious food options—but we all know that travelling with fussy tummies can often mean that sampling local cuisine often falls by the wayside in favour of the familiar. Well, Singapore strikes an epic balance between being new and adventurous, whilst also having options for younger ones that aren't quite ready to try whatever weird fish you’re eating for dinner that day. Hawker centres and food courts serve up super-affordable fried rice, noodles and Indian varieties of bread like there’s no tomorrow, which means there’s something for even the pickiest of eaters. 

Indoor And Outdoor Activities 

Image: Kidlander

Because of its hot and often humid climate, families can sometimes want to spend some time away from the great outdoors and enjoy some indoor fun instead. Luckily, Singapore is well equipped for doing just that, with attractions like Singapore Discovery Centre, Snow City and Singapore Science Centre offer a welcome respite from the sun, while Gardens by the Bay, Night Safari and Wild Wild Wet Water Park are all waiting if you’re after some fun in the sun. 

Hero image: Little Day Out

 

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